Map showing Just Right Trucking location for intended concrete block plant in Orang Grove, St. Croix Photo Credit: JUST RIGHT TRUCKING.
Governor Albert Bryan has vetoed four bills, including a contentious zoning request for a concrete block plant on St. Croix, out of the 25 bills forwarded by the 35th Legislature.
According to Government House, over 900 residents petitioned the governor to adhere to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) recommendations and veto Bill No. 35-0023, a zoning use variance request for a concrete block manufacturing facility in Estate Orange Grove.
In his transmittal letter to Senate President Novelle Francis Jr., Mr. Bryan emphasized the need to consider the impact of current decisions on future generations of Virgin Islanders. He added that the DPNR is actively developing a comprehensive land and water use plan to ensure the preservation of their home for the future.
The governor further stressed the importance of allowing DPNR professionals to determine appropriate land use for preservation, given their expertise and responsibility in protecting the territory. He vetoed the bill based on the advisement of DPNR planners, according to Gov't House.
“We must give the professionals at DPNR the discretion to determine what is and is not appropriate use for the preservation of our land. They are the experts in the field tasked with the responsibility of guiding the protection of our Territory. We must allow them to complete the task we have set before them,” Mr. Bryan wrote.
Additionally, the vetoed Bill No. 35-0052, a zoning change request for a parcel in Estate Carolina, St. John, from a residential to a business designation. Mr. Bryan cited the DPNR planners' advice as the reason for his veto and expressed his anticipation for approving a revised bill incorporating the DPNR's recommendations.
Other vetoed bills include Bill No. 35-0061, directing the Office of the Inspector General to audit the V.I. Water and Power Authority and appropriating $250,000 to fund the audit. Governor Bryan called the bill an infringement on the Inspector General's independence and deemed it duplicative, as the Inspector General had already completed a audit of the WAPA-VITOL Fuel Contracting Process and Transactions.
Governor Bryan also vetoed Bill No. 35-0055, concerning the school curriculum in elementary and secondary schools. He called the bill unnecessary and cumbersome, as mandating specific courses would alter graduation requirements, increase the number of required teachers, and conflict with the Board of Education's existing policy.
Despite these vetoes, Mr. Bryan approved multiple bills and lease agreements, as well as zoning change requests for various projects in the Virgin Islands.
Approved measures
Bills that Governor Bryan signed into law include:
- Bill No. 35-0006, which honors and commends former Senator George E. Goodwin, awarding him the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor and naming the Cricket pitch in Estate Nazareth on St. Thomas in his honor.
- Bill No. 35-0007, which honors and commends Boyd “Boyzie” Orlanzo Todman for his contributions to the people and the youth of the Virgin Islands.
- Bill No. 35-0009, which enacts The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to declare June 19 a legal holiday in the Virgin Islands.
- Bill No. 35-0010, which honors and commends Aloy “Wenty” Nielsen, names the Christiansted Bypass in his honor and appropriates $10,000 from the General Fund for signage at the Aloy Nielsen Bypass.
- Bill No. 35-0011, which honors and commends former Senator Horace A. Callwood Sr. posthumously and names the north-south street immediately east of Windward Passage in his honor.
• Bill No. 35-0026, which relates to insurers becoming members of a Federal Home Loan Bank and matters relating thereto.
• Bill No. 35-0049, which establishes a Local Food and Farm Council in accordance with mandate five of the Virgin Islands Agricultural Plan.
- Bill No. 35-0050, which establishes the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance within the Virgin Islands Department of Education and changes the Education Maintenance Fund to the School Construction, Maintenance and Capital Fund and appropriates $2.5 million to that fund.
- Bill No. 35-0063, which approves a land exchange between the Virgin Islands Port Authority and the University of the Virgin Islands in Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas.
- Bill No. 35-0068, which authorizes the members of the Board of Medical Examiners to serve temporarily as de facto board members of boards established under title 3 Virgin Islands Code, section 415 if a board does not have enough members to establish a quorum
- Bill No. 35-0072, which ratifies the Governor’s approval of a Major Coastal Zone Management Permit to Independent Boatyard and Marina.
Lease agreements
Lease agreements with the Government of the Virgin Islands that Governor Bryan approved include:
- Bill No. 35-0017, which approves a Lease Agreement with St. Thomas Gas for Parcel
- No. 4 Sub Base to be used for the purpose of operating a trucking, transportation, delivery, and retail business of bottled propane gas.
- Bill No. 35-0018, which approves a Lease Agreement with A-9 Trucking Enterprises, Inc. and Sarnelli Bros., (V.I.) Inc. d/b/a V.I. Recycling Company.
- Bill No. 35-0019, which approves a Lease Agreement with VIYA for a portion of a telecommunication tower and a bunker to establish wireless link connections and house in Recovery Hill, St. Croix.
- Bill No. 35-0025, which approves a Lease Agreement with Ace Trucking and Trash Removal.
Zoning changes
Zoning requests Governor Bryan approved include:
- Bill No. 35-0021, which changes the zoning designation from residential to public for three plots in Estate Hermon Hill on St. Croix.
- Bill No. 35-0022, which grants a zoning use variance for a plot in Estate Sion Hill to allow for a beauty salon.
- Bill No. 35-0024, which grants a zoning for a parcel in Estate Anna’s Retreat in St. Croix to allow for dwellings.
- Bill No. 35-0040, which grants a zoning variance for parcels in Estate Thomas on St. Thomas to allow an office, two 1-bedroom, apartments, flex space, gym, 13 parking spaces, cistern and grey
- water cistern and accessory building for generator and garage space.
- Bill No. 35-0053, which grants a zoning use variance for a parcel in Estate Contant in St. Thomas to allow for office
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